Freddie Freeman’s ex-agent files suit against radio host over contract offer report
Freddie Freeman, struggling to fight back tears, says he 'loves the Braves with all my heart'
During an extremely emotional pre-game press conference, former Braves Freddie Freeman discussed how much his old team means to him and how it will feel to get his 2021 World Series ring at Truist Park on Friday. It was a hard interview to watch as the former Braves first baseman struggled to fight back tears talking about his old team and his fans.
ATLANTA - The former agent of Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman filed a lawsuit against a radio host for libel on Thursday for presenting a "false narrative" about the first baseman’s parting in March.
Close and Excel Sports Management filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, alleging FOX Sports Radio Host Doug Gottlieb of "false, disparaging and derogatory" comments in a tweet they claimed was made "in a grossly irresponsible manner without due consideration for the standards of information gathering and dissemination ordinarily followed by responsible parties."
Freeman's former agent Casey Close and Excel Sports Management filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, alleging defamation by libel.
The 58-year-old Close is a principal of Excel and one of three managing partners. He has represented several hundred baseball players, including Hall of Famer Derek Jeter.
Doug Gottlieb speaks onstage at the 21st Annual Harold and Carole Pump Foundation Gala at The Beverly Hilton on August 20, 2021 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Harold and Carole Pump Foundation )
Gottlieb, 46, is affiliated with Fox Sports, the Pac-12 Network and CBS Sports, according to the suit.
"Although we gave Mr. Gottlieb an opportunity to retract his false statement, he failed to do so," Close said in a statement. "The complaint sets the record straight as to what occurred during the negotiations with the Atlanta Braves."
Jason Stewart, a producer at Fox Sports Radio Network speaking with The Associated Press, referred a request for comment to John Tehranian, whom Stewart said was a lawyer for Gottlieb. Tehranian did not respond to a phone message and email.
The suit alleges Close has received death threats from people he believes to be Braves fans.
Casey Close attend "The Captain" premiere during the 2022 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Tribeca PAC on June 12, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival )
Close said in the suit that the Braves on March 29, 2021, offered Freeman a $110 million, five-year deal starting in 2022, then made a $125 million, five-year proposal on Aug. 1 and a $135 million proposal on Aug. 4, all rejected by Freeman.
Close said he and the Braves had their final two conversations about a Freeman contract this March 12 and he made two proposals to the team that day that were rejected. Close said he asked the team if it had any offer he could present Freeman and was told the team did not.
Close said he immediately informed Freeman of all conversations with the Braves on March 12.
Atlanta announced on March 14 it had acquired first baseman Matt Olson from Oakland, signaling the team no longer was attempting to retain Freeman. On March 17, Freeman signed a $162 million, six-year contract with the Dodgers.
On June 29, Gottlieb tweeted: "Casey Close never told Freddie Freeman about the Braves final offer, that is why Freeman fired him. He found out in Atlanta this weekend. It isn’t that rare to have happen in MLB, but it happened __ Close knew Freddie would have taken the ATL deal."
Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers gets emotional as he is introduced to the crowd prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on June 24, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Freeman received his World Series ring on June 24 before his first game with the Dodgers in Atlanta, and Close said Freeman terminated him as his designated player agent several days later.
Close and Excel said Gottlieb had not complied with their demand to retract the comments in his tweet.
The Associated Press contributed to this report